The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch

My father had a lifelong dream: To experience an authentic Western ranch, where horseback riding wasn’t just a tourist activity but the heart of the experience. When I began searching, I came across countless options online, but most felt too commercial, too crowded, or too detached from the real cowboy rhythm. What made The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch stand out and why I chose it was its small group structure, genuine focus on horsemanship, and the promise of a more personal, grounded experience. It delivered on every level and far more. From the very beginning, Melanie was our point of contact and handled all the pre-arrival communication and preparation with warmth and precision. Everything was taken care of in advance, allowing us to arrive fully present and excited. The ranch is run with great care by Marijn and Peter, and you can feel their values in every detail, especially in the way the horses are treated. During Marijn’s orientation talk and horsemanship session, it became immediately clear: these horses are calm, deeply respected, and masterfully trained. Even as beginners, we felt safe and supported. I caught myself admiring how well the whole experience was being held together, not loudly, just precisely. From the flow of the rides to the mood of the staff, the upkeep of the horses to the subtle timing of meals and transitions, you can feel the weight of responsibility being carried well. There’s a kind of leadership that doesn’t announce itself, but quietly holds the whole space together. Peter has that. It’s clear this place runs the way it does because someone built it with long-term vision, care, and consistency. Over the week, we progressed step by step and by the end, we were loping through the vast landscape, something i definitely wish to experience again. An Incredible feeling of “freedom” The wranglers, Caroline, Allie, Taylor, Mollie, and others (I wish I could remember all their names!) were great. Not only skilled and professional, but warm, fun, and incredibly supportive. Especially Caroline! They guided us through breathtaking rides across the Big Horn Mountains, helped us grow as riders, and made every moment feel meaningful. They also captured amazing photographs throughout the week, we didn’t need to take a single one ourselves, and I’ve already made an album for my father filled with memories that will last a lifetime. He has shown it literally to everyone including the post man! :) :) The schedule was perfect: two riding sessions each day (one after breakfast, one after lunch), with plenty of time to relax, enjoy happy hour cocktails, and connect with the other guests before dinner. Our cabin was beautiful and peaceful, and I have to say the bed was so incredibly comfortable, I’m still thinking about it. I wish mine was like that. Beyond the riding, the ranch offers a swimming pool with a stunning view, a jacuzzi, and a lounge area with foosball and snooker. The entire hospitality team, especially Ellie and Edward, made sure we had everything we needed. This was more than just a vacation. It was the realization of my father’s dream and a memory I will hold close forever. The Hideout gave us not just rides and views, but real moments of connection, stillness, and joy. If you’re looking for a place that combines authentic riding, intimate atmosphere, and deep respect for both people and animals, look no further. This is the ranch with soul that gives you something more than a trip. It gives you a story to tell for the rest of your life. Namaste, Kevin

The owner’s leadership, facilities and grounds, all staff/employees, safety program, and horses made for combination of 5 stars. We select ranches by members of Dude Ranchers Assoc., Cody WY, smaller family owned and operated. We reviewed all information and links on their web site and a phone conversation for pre-stay questions (thank you Melanie) 100% authentic. Peter and Marijn have created an equestrian/riding vacation destination. We liked the orientation and safety talk. It made us pause how many times we were just put on horses with a wish and prayer at another ranch. Marijn’s program was 100% successful for our stay. We loved the theme of: make your horse better this week, create a partner. Riding, is what it is all about! As a perspective on the riding. We take arena lessons from a top level multi disciplinary trainer every week. In just one day of riding at The Hide Out, we had the equivalent of a month’s time of arena lessons. We did all rides. Thank you for having a hot tub, ha ha ha. The terrain in Spring rides is valley based and footing of packed earth or red clay, not rocky nor technical mountain riding. This allowed us to trot on all rides from day one and canter on most. (the wranglers take pictures for you so guest can just ride and ride in safety) You’ll spend the most time with wranglers and riding. The wranglers have to be diplomats as well as leaders with high horse skills. Tip of the hat to: Caroline, Allie, Taylor, Molly, Nina, Elizabeth. Did we mention Caroline 🤩. I was surprised more than once to hand the horse off at the end of the day to a ranch hand under a big hat named Marijn 🤭. The owners are engaged and involved. The trailering with 7 rigs is a plus. You don’t have to ride out of the ranch on same trails everyday. Trailer out, this means you ride more time in the terrain, not having to ride to the terrain. Horses: see pictures to show their fine stock. We both had several Flitner Ranch/GO ironed horses for our stay what a treat! Did not have cattle for pen exercises. Non-riding Services: house keeping is top level and like magic. Ellie and Edward served plated meals 3 times a day, plus request on top of that to 25 ? guest. They had the service level of a staff several times the size of this dynamic duo. Cabins: interiors just like the pictures, modern, climate controlled , shared walls in duplex design, coffee maker, small fridge, modern bath and shower, high quality bed. There are booking options for lodging beyond cabins. Would we book again? Yes. Tips: Shell Falls is a 20 minutes from the ranch in the Big Horn National Forrest. Ask for a cabin close to the horse pastures and corrals if you love watching horses. FOAL: Wild horse sanctuary along route 14, take the dirt road, we saw the wild horses.

@Shery It was nice to meet you and your friend at the Hideout last week. It was such a pity to read your review. To be honest you were NOT able to walk properly, trying to get on a horse was irresponsible for you and the group. You needed extra wranglers to get on and of the horse. For me it was the 5 th on the ranch and may 2026 is already booked like some other returning guests. I can assure you that all riders regardless there level can have a wonderful time at this ranch . I hope you find a suitable alternative for you to do ( suitable for your age/health. We Belgian girls had the most amazing time !!! Mickey, Annick , Sabrina and Roos

This message is a response to Sherry S. who left a review a couple of days ago. Sherry S. and her friend were at the Hideout the same week when my husband and I were there too. It has been our 14th time at The Hideout, since October 2020. We were both beginners. Our experience at the ranch was so great that we have decided to come 3 times/year ever since. I completely disagree with Sherry’s statement that “ this is not the place for you if you are a beginner rider”. Regardless if you are a beginner or not, one of the most important requirements for riding horses is to be physically fit. And what I mean by that, is you have to be able to at least walk without difficulty, from your cabin to the barn. If you lack mobility, or you have a physical impairment because of an injury, or because of old age, you should seriously reconsider riding horses. This can become dangerous if you are in pain and discomfort for a prolonged period of time on the horse. Being comfortable on a horse requires many years of practice. It’s not the horse’s fault, it’s your lack of experience. If you are a beginner you should expect that. Even walking for a few hours (no trotting or loping) is a very strenuous activity that can lead to injuries. Safety is one of the most important things for the staff at the Hideout. So, pretty much all the guests should be very grateful for that. As a beginner you will get a horse that is very well trained, calm, that knows the trails, and doesn’t spook. Depending on the level of experience of riding horses, you will be recommended certain trails. Everything is very well thought, and customized for every rider. There is absolutely no pressure to do things that are out of your comfort zone. There is always a wrangle that accompanies guests who only want to do walking instead of trotting or loping, and prefer to stay at the back of the group, allowing others to continue their rides. Even though, I have not personally interacted with Sherry, I have heard other guests questioning her and her friend's ability to ride because of their lack of physical fitness, and inability to even walk to the main lodge for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The statement “there is nothing to do if you are not a rider” is also unfair, and misleading. The Hideout is located in Shell, WY, a small community of less than 80 people; so please have realistic expectations about what you can do in such a small community. But if you are not interested in horses, or you can’t ride for different reasons, you can drive 15 minutes to Graybull, or about an hour to Cody, where you can shop, dine, or go to museums. Also, The Hideout offers other activities, but their availability depends on the season. If you are very interested in one of them, and you want to know precisely if it’s offered the week you are at The Hideout, please call Melanie before you book your vacation. She is one of the most lovely people you will ever meet, and she is more than happy to inform and guide you about everything that’s available at the ranch, and to make your stay as comfortable and peasant as possible. I consider The Hideout my home away from home. Every vacation is amazing, and I always regret leaving and I look forward going back. I love everything about this place: the horses, the people, and the scenery. All the staff, from the chef to the wrangles, and the owners (Peter and Marijn) are going out of their ways to make all the guests feel welcome, comfortable, and safe. For those interested in horses, new experiences and adventures, give it a try. You will not regret it.

One might wonder why does a couple go to the same vacation spot over and over again? Since this was our 14'th week spent at The Hideout in the past 5 years, I wanted to write a few of the reasons we have done so. We have started horseback riding as true beginners on our first trip to The Hideout in September 2020. While I have always been interested in horses, my spouse was initially afraid of them and planned to spend the week only doing photography. However, Marijn, Peter and their wranglers at the time were the ultimate motivators and tactful teachers. Thus, they helped both of us have a very meaningful first experience riding well matched Hideout horses and for only as long as it was a pleasant experience. Due to their kindness, passion and horsemanship teaching method reflected in their ability to match us with the right horses, we both had wonderful experiences and got hooked. Since September 2020 we have constantly advanced our horse riding abilities with guidance and advice from the many wranglers that worked at The Hideout during our visits. However, while wranglers changed and years passed, what always remained constant was the exquisite attention to detail (and safety) by Marijn in making sure we had the right horse for the right skill level we were at, and by Peter in making sure the accommodations during our stay were flawless. Add to that an outstanding herd of well kept horses living their life in as close to a natural habitat as possible, and we could not recommend a better place to learn or advance your horsemanship. Thus, I highly recommend The Hideout for anyone interested in learning (from zero) or improving (from intermediate to advanced) horsemanship, while enjoying world class accommodations, food and the stunning beauty of the Bighorn - Shell canyon area. As for us, we definitely plan to continue to go over and over again to the magical place that is The Hideout. Thank you, Marijn, Peter and all the Hideout staff for creating this truly remarkable vacation destination.